oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized

oxidative

ˈäk-sə-ˌdā-tiv 

adjective

oxidatively adverb

Examples of oxidation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This method enables the layer-by-layer assembly of atomic structures under extreme oxidation conditions. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026

Hot smoking promotes both fat loss and fatty acid oxidation. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2026

How to Keep Artichokes From Browning Fresh artichokes are prone to oxidation and will begin to brown shortly after being cut—this goes for the hearts as well as the stem and leaves. —Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026

This oily layer keeps oxygen from reacting with the flesh and can slow, if not completely prevent, the oxidation process. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from oxider, oxyder to oxidize, from oxide

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing oxidation

• beta-oxidation
• oxidation-reduction
• oxidation state
• re-oxidation

Rhymes for oxidation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized

oxidative

ˈäk-sə-ˌdāt-iv 

adjective

Medical Definition

oxidation

noun

ox·​i·​da·​tion ˌäk-sə-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act or process of oxidizing

2

: the state or result of being oxidized